Investigation continues after twins drown in fish tank

DIANE KING

THE Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is liaising with police following the death of twin brothers who drowned after falling into a fish tank at the family home.

Rhys and Shaun Scott, who were two, died after the incident at the rented property in Dalgety Bay, Fife, on Saturday morning.

Their parents have since told of their shock and devastation at the loss of their “little soldiers”.

An HSE spokeswoman said they were aware of the incident and were liaising with Police Scotland.

She said: “We were contacted by police following the incident and we are liaising with them to try and establish whether there’s any call for the HSE to be involved going forward.”

The boys were treated by police officers and paramedics at the scene before being rushed to Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy, where they died.

Inquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing and officers have been supporting the family.

The scene was cordoned off with police tape over the weekend, with officers standing guard at the front of the home. It is understood the tank is at the back garden of the house and had reportedly been formerly used for keeping koi carp.

The “long-awaited” boys, whom the parents described as “miracle babies” were reportedly born premature and by IVF.

In a statement issued through police, parents Mervyn Scott and Sarah Aitken said: “Both boys were long-awaited little soldiers who were full of love, happiness, fun and cheek.

“Individually and together they have touched the lives of everyone they met.

“We along with our family and friends are still in shock and devastated at such a tragic loss from such a ‘freak’ accident. They have been taken from us far too early and will be forever missed and loved.

“We wish to be left alone and be given the privacy needed to grieve.”

They also thanked people for their support at this difficult time.

The couple offered “special thanks to all the medical staff, family, friends, neighbours and the police for their efforts, hard work and time spent helping and trying to revive our miracle babies”.

Local MSP Alex Rowley has described the incident as “every parent’s worst nightmare”.

Dalgety Bay councillor Dave Dempsey said the community was in shock.

Police and ambulance crews were called to the scene to help the boys.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We are continuing with our inquiries into the tragic deaths of Rhys and Shaun Scott at an address in Dalgety Bay on Saturday.

“In this instance, we have consulted with the Health and Safety Executive as part of our ongoing investigation.

“We are continuing to support the family with a specialist family liaison officer and inquiries are ongoing.”